I know introductions are not necessary but I feel that I've been rude by just jumping into the conversations, so here goes.

I'm a Ukrainian Canadian, living in Alberta, raised by rabid Catholics (got the scars to prove it) and am the youngest of seven children. I read The Satanic Bible while studying for the Wiccan priesthood. So much for the priesthood....

Also, with no disrespect intended (by perhaps bringing up a touchy subject) but I always found the idea of having two different coloured eyes quite appealing

Enjoy your time here!

_________________________
These things can never be important to the elephant; they are nothing to him; he cannot shrink his sympathies to the microscopic size of them. Man is to me as the red spider is to the elephant.

Ok, to answer the questions: The heterochromia is no longer a sore topic. My sight came back (eventually) and it was a long time ago. Bygones. I grew up speaking Ukrainian and do speak some Russian and Polish. Mostly obscenities or requests for food. heheThe kitty is one of four I have and his name is BlackJack. He's as much trouble as he is beautiful. The dredds are actually a hair piece called a pony fall. I make loose ones and braided ones as well. My own hair is waist-length. As for peas, I just don't dig the taste. Same with brussel sprouts but I enjoy broccoli.

As for religion:I'm not sure I ever believed in god(s) except out of fear or the desire to belong, but my epiphany came while reading the Nine Satanic Statements. Those few sentences embodied all the arguments that I had making to the priesthood since I had joined the church.

I won't write a tome on it but suffice to say that in time, I found Catholicism and Wicca to be very similar, at least in their demands upon the populace and the priesthood.

Both emphasized or demanded striving to an unattainable ideal, control of ones desires, denial, suffering, constant work and study, reverence for the priesthood, assimilation, belief in deity(es) etc.

Now I try to do what my own ethics dictate to be right, but why should I answer to the ethics or morals of another, real or imaginary? (legalities aside of course) I admit to being selfish but I don't see that as a flaw. I spent my childhood and youth living for others, now I want to live for me. Why should that be considered sinful? Why should I forgive those who've tortured and injured me or hurt those I love? Why should I help those who neither show appreciation or give anything back? Why should I not have that extra piece of cake?

The priesthood found my thoughts and views to be abhorrent, defiant and unworthy.

But why join the Wiccan Church if I didn't believe in polytheism? I thought my reverence for flora and especially fawna made me a pagan. I thought it would be enough.

_________________________For my sins I will ask no forgiveness. For my sins they are not to forgive.